Hiking is a different form of exercise than running, or in my case, speed walking. It requires navigating continually changing terrain … rocks … limbs and branches … the occasional stream or inches of mud. When I hike, I recognize I am using different muscles than I use when I walk. This awareness was brought home to me on a hike awhile back when I took off as if I were speed walking—way too fast! But as I slowed down, I started thinking about the strategies necessary to help faith-based nonprofits navigate their grant-seeking plan.
Grant writing is not only a different genre of writing, it also requires somewhat different tactics than other forms of fundraising. And as I work with nonprofits, I recognize that they often want to jump out of the gate too quickly by submitting proposals for funding when they simply are not ready.
When I begin working with a client—my top priority is to gather the necessary documents a foundation or funder will require including budgets, financial statements, board member information, key-member biographies, and clearly outlined goals and strategies. For this reason, one of the most important documents for a successful grants program is a Case for Support (CFS).
Much like a for profit organization’s business plan, this document serves as a blueprint and will outline the essential elements required for your proposals. It will explore the history of your organization and introduce key individuals and the qualifications that make your organization the right one to address specific community needs. In addition, your CFS will include:
· Need Statement
· Objectives, Strategies, Outcomes
· Evaluation Plan
· Sustainability Plan
· Budgets
And your case statement must begin with and include your mission statement. Everything you do, everything you write must be sifted through the mission and vision of your nonprofit organization. Peter Greer and Chris Horst stress the importance of staying true to your mission in their book Mission Drift – the Unspoken Crisis Facing Leaders, Charities, and Churches. Like the frog in a pot of boiling water, your mission can shift without you noticing … “mission drift unfolds slowly. Like a current, it carries organizations away from their core purpose and identity.” And faith-based nonprofits are no exception to this dilemma.
The best way to begin writing your CFS is to meet with the key stakeholders within your organization and simply … brainstorm. Begin with one section at a time … do not worry about making it pretty … simply get it written down. A solid CFS is one that has received input from key staff, board members, and even those you serve. This document should be read and reread numerous times before it becomes your final Case for Support. In its final form, your CFS will save time and energy once you are ready to begin reaching out to foundations. All the information you need to craft well-written narratives will be in one place.
Writing a case statement forces you to think about your organization’s promise, your organization’s proof, and how the donor fits into your world (Seeing Through a Donors Eyes, Will Ahern).
And whether you choose to hire an outside grant writer or write proposals inhouse, this document will be well worth your time and energy. You will not be tripping over yourself at the last minute trying to locate the information a funder requires.
I am sure I will have to remind myself again to slow down on a hike … and perhaps speed up on a walk! And your nonprofit will not be the first one who needs to take the time to develop a concentrated, organized grant seeking plan to ensure the success of your programs. If you would like help crafting your Case for Support, please contact KLH—we would be pleased to help and share our expertise in this area.
Thanks for dropping by,
Kathy